CDI's continued corporate greed is yet another nail in horse racing's coffin.  They appear to have little interest in horse racing's success, let alone survival.  It's all about their bottom line.

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/2014/04/10/churchill-downs-take-bet/7565235/

Keeneland has also stated they want to get into the running for future Breeders' Cups, which likely was a factor in their conversion back to dirt.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84050/keeneland-plans-future-bid-for-breeders-cup

Since this was announced on April 2nd, I'm assuming it's not an April Fool's joke.   

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84170/keeneland-to-replace-polytrack-with-dirt

Anybody hear anything about any American horses going over for this one?

(The obvious choice, Giant Oak, is retired, so we'll have to find someone else.)   

CBS News did a short piece tonight on the transfer of the remains of Native Diver from HP to Del Mar. 

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/remains-of-historic-racehorse-found-beneath-closed-track/

Quote from: Dance With Gable on March 08, 2014, 07:28:24 AM
I love Mucho Macho Man .... but I'm starting to feel sorry for The Dude ....

I'd love to see him win it and get some mojo back. But ... I fear the only way he can do it is if he gets a free lead and no one looks him in the eye, as he always seems to fold if they do.

Well, you got your wish!  What a performance by the Dude!  And a new stakes record of 1.58.17!

Enjoy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JAGgTHQVT4

Post time now listed as 415 Pacific.  No scratches as yet.

Quote from: Dance With Gable on March 07, 2014, 10:57:04 AM
I'll be there bright and early! Should be there by 8.

It should be a fantastic race day. Great fields and great weather! 

I really envy you.  I'll be here in Chi-town still watching the snow slowly melt.

Have a great time, and good luck!

Really looking forward to this race!

Mucho Macho Man and Will Take Charge in their first rematch since their epic battle in the BCC.  PLUS Game on Dude!

Post time 4PM Pacific, and it's being telecast on cable channel Fox Sports 1.

Anybody out there going?

Go MMM!

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83665/epic-rematch-set-for-santa-anita-handicap?&utm_source=RacingPreviewNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20140307

$750,000 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I, Race 9, 4 p.m.), 3 & Up, 1 1/4 Miles
PP. Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer, ML Odds
1. Will Take Charge (KY), L Saez, 123, D W Lukas, 2/1
2. Mucho Macho Man (FL), G L Stevens, 124, K Ritvo, 9/5
3. Blingo (KY), A T Gryder, 117, J A Shirreffs, 8/1
4. Imperative (KY), K J Desormeaux, 114, G Papaprodromou, 12/1
5. Rousing Sermon (CA), R Bejarano, 114, J Hollendorfer, 12/1
6. American Blend (KY), J Talamo, 114, C Gaines, 20/1
7. Game On Dude (KY), M E Smith, 122, B Baffert, 5/2
8. Hear the Ghost (KY), J Rosario, 114, J Hollendorfer, 20/1

Talk about the track with nine lives!

Despite a number of twists and turns and near-death experiences, Suffolk Downs in Boston still lives to fight another day (with their casino proposal)!

Go baby go!

http://www.boston.com/news/local/blogs/in-the-cards/2014/02/25/revere-says-yes-mohegan-sun-casino/dX3BkmYGWsQhOQifeEm7UK/blog.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/23/sports/Hialeah-fabled-track-seeks-a-rebirth.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=edit_th_20140223

http://www.ecorazzi.com/2014/01/17/the-u-s-can-wave-goodbye-to-horse-slaughterhouses/

WAIT!  How did I miss this?  Midnight Hawk is co-owned by Joel Quenneville, the coach of our beloved Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks!

Wow!  I've got my Derby horse.  Go Baby Go!   :chickendance:

Beautifully written.